A new digitally-led hotel concept, The Drey, is to open its first site in Earl’s Court later this year. The 125-room property forms part of a digital model designed to combine operational efficiency with a focus on comfort and community engagement. The Drey’s approach centres on automation and a reduced staffing structure, using online check-in, […]

Accor has officially launched its luxury brand Emblems Collection in the UK with the opening of Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa In Wiltshire.  It comes as the group confirmed plans for six further Emblems Collection hotel openings over the next two years as part of a global expansion of the collection.  The Emblems Collection brand […]

Hotel management specialists Countrywide Hotels has been appointed to oversee all management and operations of The Selwyn, a 50-bedroom townhouse hotel in Richmond-upon-Thames. As part of the appointment, Richard Sidaway has been appointed as general manager for the hotel which will continue to operate under its existing name. The hotel’s public spaces, including The Paisley […]

Radisson Hotel Group has opened its first property in Florence, expanding its presence in Italy with a 304-room hotel located close to the city’s historic centre. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Florence, is described by the group as a “modern urban resort” combining contemporary design with views of the Tuscan hills. The property features a spa […]

Chef Lee Murdoch has been appointed executive chef at Seaton House, the five-star boutique hotel in St Andrews managed by Valor Hospitality. The appointment forms part of chef Roy Brett’s plans to establish Seaton House as the new home of Ondine Oyster and Grill, his award-winning Edinburgh restaurant, which relocated to the hotel earlier this […]

Barons Eden has acquired Orsett Hall Hotel, Restaurant and Spa in Essex for an undisclosed sum, marking the hospitality group’s second purchase since receiving investment from Alchemy Partners earlier this year. The Georgian-style country house hotel sits within 12 acres of landscaped grounds in Orsett, near Grays. It comprises 57 en-suite bedrooms, including four bridal […]

Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate’s executive chef, Robert Pearce, has been named Innovative Chef of the Year at the 2025 Meetings Industry Association (MIA) Awards, held on 6 November. The award recognises excellence in the UK’s meetings and events sector, highlighting Pearce’s achievements in innovation, sustainability and service delivery over the past year. During […]

Pandox AB has officially completed its €1.7bn (£1.46bn) acquisition of Dalata Hotel Group, deepening its presence in the UK and Ireland and adding 31 hotels to its property portfolio. The transaction includes Dalata’s entire business and involves a separation of hotel ownership and operations. Pandox will retain the freehold properties, while Scandic Hotels Group is […]

Hotel Mundial in Lisbon has begun the second phase of a major renovation designed by architecture practice Broadway Malyan. The project continues the requalification of the Baixa Pombalina landmark, which first opened in 1958. The first phase, recently completed, transformed the ground floor with a new main entrance, reception, lobby and lounge areas. The redesign […]

The King Alfred Hotel in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, has been sold to hospitality group Dorbiere for an undisclosed price. The King Alfred comprises a bar, restaurant and function room as well as 10 en-suite guest bedrooms. The Victorian Gothic-style hotel opened in 1904 and is named after the HMS King Alfred ship which was built just […]